If a person has a herniated disk, sometime surgery can relive the pain that is associated with the condition. One side effect can be a loss of spinal flexibility. Why does this occur?
When a person has a herniated disk, it means that the soft, gel-like material inside the disk, called the nucleus pulposus, has leaked out through a tear in the outer layer of the disk, called the annulus fibrosus. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
To understand why surgery to treat a herniated disk can lead to a loss of spinal flexibility, it is important to know what happens during the procedure. The most common surgery for a herniated disk is called a discectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes part or all of the herniated disk to relieve pressure on the nerves.
However, this removal of the disk also impacts the structure and function of the spine. The spinal disks are responsible for allowing movement and flexibility in the spine. When a disk is removed, it leads to a loss of cushioning and separation between adjacent vertebrae. This can result in decreased mobility and flexibility in the spine.
Moreover, the surgery itself can lead to scar tissue formation and tissue damage. Scar tissue can also limit the flexibility and movement of the spine by acting as a barrier or tethering adjacent structures together.
After the surgery, it is important to undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain as much spinal flexibility as possible. These exercises can help strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve range of motion, and promote healing. However, it is important to note that some loss of spinal flexibility may be permanent after disk surgery, depending on the extent of the damage and the specific surgical procedure performed. Therefore, it's always advisable to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with a healthcare professional.